Agatha Emelia (Seurynck) LaFave, age 96, formerly of Owendale, peacefully left us on Friday, June 20, 2014. Agatha was born Christmas Eve, 1917, to Leo and Mary (Savoyard) Seurynck in Gagetown, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband Murl in 2000, her parents, and all of her siblings: Leo Seurynck, Mamie Dillon Russell, Elva Pine Cox, Helen Dillon Stock, and Rose Margaret Seurynck (in childhood). She was also preceded in death by her sons-in-law, Kurt Berkenpas and Bob Potter, as well as many in-laws, friends and dear neighbors. Agatha graduated Gagetown High School and Tuscola County Normal School and then taught at Ferguson and Carolan Schools in Tuscola County until her marriage to Murl in 1943. Together they raised four children, who survive: Marsha Potter of Grand Rapids; Dennis (Cheryl) LaFave of Caledonia; Lynette (Randy Mikolowski) LaFave of Traverse City; and Kathy Berkenpas of Grand Haven. Also surviving are her grandchildren and their families: Jared (Sarah) LaFave, Baker and Arden of River Falls, Wisconsin; Brooke (Nick) Chapman of Seattle Washington; Stephanie (Troy) Teitsma, Jackson and Mary Blythe Birmingham, Michigan; and Adam Berkenpas of the Philippines. She is also survived by many caring nieces, nephews, and in-laws. A devout Catholic, Agatha was a member of St. Agatha’s Church in Gagetown, after which she was named as she was the first female baby to be baptized in the new sanctuary of the present church. There she was active in Altar Society, serving in several leadership roles, Bible and liturgical study, and other church activities. Along with her sisters and others in Altar Society, Agatha made liturgical banners which hang yet today in the church sanctuary. She also taught 4-H sewing at St. Agatha’s School, was a member of Owendale Study Club, was a captain for American Cancer Society, bowled and golfed. Agatha was known as a creative and talented seamstress, and loved sewing for herself, her daughters and grandchildren. Agatha liked to travel and especially enjoyed two trips to Europe with her daughter Marsha as well as many family trips in the U.S. and Canada. She treasured time with her sisters and brother and also with special neighbors, Stella Errer (dec.) and Mabel Lenda. Together Agatha and Murl took great pride in maintaining their home, farm and business south of Owendale. We loved Mom and Grandma for many things, but especially for her fairness, patience, sense of humor and open-mindedness. She was a great listener and wise counselor, very gracious and giving, always humble and gentle, very practical and frugal. She was always elegant, always a lady, and we will miss her greatly. The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2014 at St. Agatha Church, Gagetown, with Fr. John Weis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A Vigil Service will take place at the church on Sunday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. Our family is profoundly grateful to the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and all the staff at St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids for their skillful and loving care of our dear mother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Ann’s Home, 2161 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or a charity of your choice. Memories may be shared online at meyersieckbussemafuneralhome.com VISITATION AT ST. AGATHA CHURCH, GAGETOWN: Sunday, June 22 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 23 10 a.m. until the mass at 11 a.m.